James Cameron & Linda Hamilton
She asked for half of Titanic -- and got it
Key Facts
What Happened
James Cameron and Linda Hamilton's relationship began on the set of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' in 1991. Their daughter, Josephine, was born in 1993, but the couple did not marry until 1997 -- the same year Cameron's 'Titanic' became the highest-grossing film of all time. The timing would prove enormously consequential in the divorce settlement.
The marriage lasted barely two years. Cameron left Hamilton for actress Suzy Amis, whom he had met on the set of 'Titanic.' Hamilton filed for divorce in 1999, and the split was finalized quickly. The central financial question was straightforward: Cameron had earned over $100 million from Titanic, and Hamilton's legal team argued she was entitled to half.
Under California's community property laws, Hamilton's claim was strong. The couple had married before Titanic's massive profit-sharing payments flowed in, meaning those earnings were arguably community property. Hamilton ultimately received approximately $50 million, making it one of the most expensive divorce settlements in Hollywood history at the time.
Hamilton later reflected on the experience with characteristic directness, noting the emotional toll was far worse than the financial windfall was satisfying. Cameron married Suzy Amis in 2000 and remains married to her. The case became a textbook example of how timing of marriage relative to major income events can dramatically affect divorce settlements in community property states.
Legal Breakdown: Community property and dividing blockbuster earnings in short marriages
Community Property Timing
California is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during the marriage are split 50/50. Because Cameron married Hamilton before the bulk of Titanic's earnings were distributed, those massive payments became community property subject to equal division.
Short Marriage, Massive Settlement
Despite lasting only two years, the marriage coincided with one of the largest paydays in film history. This case demonstrates that marriage duration matters less than the timing and magnitude of earnings during the marriage in community property states.
Prenuptial Agreement Absence
Cameron did not have a prenuptial agreement with Hamilton. Given his already-successful career and the pending Titanic release, a prenup could have significantly altered the outcome. The case is frequently cited by family law attorneys when advising high-earning clients about premarital agreements.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →In community property states, all income earned during marriage is subject to 50/50 division regardless of who earned it.
- →The timing of a marriage relative to major income events (film releases, IPOs, bonuses) can be worth tens of millions of dollars.
- →Never assume a short marriage means a small settlement -- what matters is what was earned during the marriage.
- →High-earning individuals should strongly consider prenuptial agreements, especially when large paydays are anticipated.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.